CRM verus KTM`s

[xander77]

Hi now I realise my CRM is 15 years old, but most mags you read say one of the finest Trail Bikes ever made! but never having ridden a modern Trail/Enduro bike, what are the differences? is it down to just suspension? The CRM is well fast enough for me on the tracks! so what are you missing sticking to an "old" trail/Enduro compared to the more modern tackle?
I like the CRM (Actually I think it rocks) but when you start spending money are you better off selling and buying something newer? or are they not that much better really? (well on me it would prob be wasted anyhow! I am not worthy)
Thanks
Jack

[knackeredMk1]

This is my opinion -

The thing that makes the CRM so good is the engine. It's smooth, torquey low down and with more than enough power for trail riding at the top end.

What lets the CRM down is the suspension and being a little bit lardy. The lardiness can be dealt with and so can the suspension to an extent but you cannot get a CRM up to the performance level of todays enduro bikes ...... But should you want to anyway .

Todays enduro bikes are quicker turning - some to the point of instability (KTMs) whilst a CRM will get you through most rider errors without trying to kill you. Enduro bikes are also better suspended and will go faster over bumpy ground but they are very uncomfortable on the road. They have more power but they need very much more intensive and regular servicing than CRMs. The way that they deliver power is much more tiring too.

If you want to go as fast as you can over off road ground i.e. race; then an enduro bike will allow you to do this. If you want to compete in the 'Trail bike' class at regular events then a CRM will be more than adequate for you to be very competitive. A bit of a diet, some well chosen suspension modifications and some braided brake hoses will see to that. Plus you can sell your CRM for pretty much what you paid for it whereas there is steep depreciation on enduro bikes.

If you want a comfortable day out riding part road and part lanes, with an occasional stop off at an off road track then a CRM is the best choice.

I've skimped over the topic here, and I'm sure others can add points I have missed, but these are the basics of the discussion.

[Eddie Evans]

Pretty much what Knackered has already said

I'm not sure how to answer but I will have a go.

IMHO for trail riding the CRM is enough. It will go anywhere and do anything that the other bikes do.

There is no need to spend lots of money on the CRM. Just make sure the bearings are greased, the oil and air filters are changed and most importantly burn lots of fuel through the carb putting the miles in.
Putting the miles in will help gain experience.
There is no doubt that momentum is king in trail riding and momentum tends to come with experience

A new inexperienced rider is likely to get stuck or struggle on small rock steps etc. whereas an experienced rider will ride over these things barely noticing them. The only real reason for this is confidence and speed. The confidence to ride faster means that the wheels are not dropping into the steps but gliding over the top.
No here is the rub. I watch David Knight do this over what seems impossible terrain. I know what to do but there is no way I would have the confidence to approach obstacles like he does. This is a good job as I would end up in hospital. However by gaining experience I am able to ride at a pace that I feel confidant with and ride over obstacles that I used to struggle on.

There is no doubt that the latest KTM bikes are better competition bikes than the CRM but better trail bikes leaves a big question mark.
I can sit on the seat on the tarmac section and stand when I want on the trails (wide footpegs off ebay are good for confidence when standing) The only thing limiting my speed on the trail is that a family walking etc. etc. may be around the next corner. Most KTM riders end up standing on the tarmac sections even if they sit for the trails
Other than cleaning, greasing and oiling the CRM needs very little. There is no top end rebuild every 100 hours etc. that you get with the competition machines.
If you are struggling for fitness then cycling or an exercise bike is the way to go when you can't get enough time on the bike itself.
Try to keep your grip loose on the bars this will reduce arm pump.
Stand up as much as you can on the trail, it feels awkward to start with but eventually becomes a lot less tiring over rough ground.
Ride the things you don't like or fear as much as you can. I used to dislike steep down hills but now they are a pure pleasure. Muddy ruts was another, the advice of look far ahead and go faster seemed alien to me until I spent time working up to it. Now I can see it is right but can't always put it into practice.

[wheelright]

Horses for courses me thinks,and riding ability,ive owned a ktm250exc/300exc/380exc, a 525mxc ,all were good bikes but i was competing in enduros and long distance rallys,The crm is not a competitive enduro bike, however.then i got into road trials,long distance events and the crm for me is superb, its a do it all bike and i have a fair idea of this bikes ability as ive ridden them for over 100,000 kms, including all over s.e asia where reliability is paramount,.i can afford a new ktm but it dosent make me a better rider and it leaves me with a warm glow still when i get off my mk2 from a long ride,.yesterday i rode with a group of 10 riders over some pretty tough terrain, there was guy on a brand new wr250,he was not having a good day,fell about 10 times and the bike was looking very secondhand at the end of the day,not the bikes fault i know, however in my opinion he should have started off on a grands worth,..but back to topic, both bikes are good,one will still be good after 20 years, ill leave it to you to decide which one i mean ,

[Eddie Evans]

Have a look at the gearing you are using. I use 13 - 49. Lower gearing means less use of the clutch as you can crawl through tricky bits. I have also found it much easier to restart on slippy slopes because less revs and clutch slip are required. This still leaves an easy crusiing speed of 60 + but knobblies don't last long as the speed rises.

These are the footpegs. I think Knackered posted a link before. A real bargain.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FootPegs-Foot-Peg ... 6889828654

[Active Rascal]

I bought a set of them. Very heavy, and need stripping and painting ASAP. I'm going to have them blasted and powder coated as the rust is already bubbling through and they're brand new. Can't grumble for the money though!!

[Berm basher]

Yes, those wide footrests weigh in at 256g each as apposed to 144g. One of mine was too narrow; the other too wide. It took some vice work, hole filing, and dressing to get them to fit - good value though. BB.

[xander77]

Got a set coming, so nice link thanks, and Eddie the push bike is coming out for training, carrying a 4 year old on the back should speed that up!
CRM will be a rolling upgrade me thinks, one of the reasons its good, after Superbikes that need nothing but oil and cleaning! Bikes I grew up with you were always/fixing/replacing/modifiying! one of the reasons it was fun!
looking forward to the next ride out, new steering head bearings and new footpegs!!

[xander77]

[quote="Eddie Evans"]Have a look at the gearing you are using. I use 13 - 49. Lower gearing means less use of the clutch as you can crawl through tricky bits. I have also found it much easier to restart on slippy slopes because less revs and clutch slip are required. This still leaves an easy crusiing speed of 60 + but knobblies don't last long as the speed rises.

These are the footpegs. I think Knackered posted a link before. A real bargain.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FootPegs-Foot-Peg ... 6889828654[/quote]

Hi Eddie, just noticed the gearing you are using, you may have a point there, because I had 13/50 when I got the bike and went up the dry stream bed at the back of Rivington Pike, CRM sailed up,(till I snapped the chain at the top!!) first offroad I had done for 20 years, I have 14/45 now I may refit the 13 or the 50 and see how that goes!

[twistednuts]

Hey jack, where you from mate? Is it legal to go off roading around rivington?

[xander77]

[quote="twistednuts"]Hey jack, where you from mate? Is it legal to go off roading around rivington?[/quote]

Hi mate just by Aintree, where abouts are you? it was my first ride, did not know anyone into offroading and found the dry stream bu accident, but there were a few 4x4`s going up there and no one seemed to mind! so off I went.
I asked Timpo when I was out and here said he thought it was legal?

Jack